National Republican., 1887-09-05
SPORT ON THE DIAMOND.
Some OF the Causes for Poor Ball Play
Inc.

The most ardent supporter OF the Wash
ington Base Ball Club cannot claim that tho
team have played creditable ball during the
past week or given such an exhibition upon
the diamond field as their abilities justify
one TO expect or their patrons to anticipate.
Loose and careless play has been INDUCED
in by some Of the men to the detriment OF
the clubs standing. Outside Of the players
and the management, another element en-
tiers into consideration, and that is the base
ball public. They have supported the
national game with liberallty, and the RE-
PUBLICAN but voices their sentiments when
1t states that the Washington base ball club
has for good portion Of the season been
run by select few of the players for their
own personal glory, and unless player
was friendly to certain clique
he was not allowed chance to show
his abilities. This statement can
be verified by the case OF Shoch. This
player has at all times given evidence Of
doing good work on the diamond, but when
be took Carroll's place in left field last
week the select few, Il is said. rebelled
against his playing on the nine. Indeed, IL
is asserted that several members of the team
declared that they would not play ball un-
less Carroll was put into his old position.
The threat did not have the hoped.for re-
suit, as the change has not yet been eff
fected, and Shoch is still part of the nine
In the eyes OF all base ball patrons, he Is
regarded as player who exerts his utmost
efforts for the interest Of his employers and
club. The question was repeatedly asked
on Saturday, "Would the Statesmen have
won Saturdays game had It not been for
Schoch's timely catch In the tenth inningP"
II is certain that they would not, as three
runs came in on the hit, making five, AMI
sufficient to win the game. The "little
Du,chman" saved that game and the au-
dience showed their approval Of his good
work by the hearty applause bestowed upon
his fine fielding. IL might be easily ex-
planned why favorable notice Of his excel
lent work fails to appear in some OF the
city papers, but 1t is not necessary to do SO.
When the habits Of ssme Of the players
have been reformed and the work for
which they are paid to perform is given first
consideration better ball may be locked for.
The REPUBLICAN, asserted last week that
some OF the men were indulging their ap-
petites freely, and the assertion can be
proven IL is one thing for ball player to
face you and openly declare that he don't
drink, but lis something else when person
stands in barroom and sees three or four Of
them indulgiDg In that manner. But the
WashiDgtons are not alone In that respect.
Wizards Hotel has three inside entrances to
the bar. Last Saturday representative Of
the REPUBLICAN was standing in the rotunda
when the Pittsburg club returned from the
ball grounds. Some came toward the
counter, but three players slipped through
the three doors and met before the bar,
when couple Of rounds were served and
one asked the barkeeper to ''fix me up q
bottle ms will need 1t on the road to-
night" There are some more of the men
who don't drink. A little espionage here
will show the management that not only do
a majority OF their players drink, but that
they are "good stayers.n
The Senators play In New York to-day,
Tuesday, and Wednesday, and at Capitol
Park with the Philadelphias on Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday.
The following tables show the standing
OF the clubs In the League and Association
NATIONAL LEAGUE.